Oestrogenic activity of mimosine on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line through the ERα-mediated pathway

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for postmenopausal symptoms.
• HRT carries risks, including increased breast and endometrial cancer.
• Safer alternatives are needed for managing menopausal symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the estrogenic potential of mimosine, a plant-derived compound.
• To investigate mimosine's effects on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) activity in MCF-7 cells using in silico methods.

Main Methods:

• In silico modeling, including docking and molecular dynamics simulations, was used to assess ERα binding.
• Cell viability, proliferation, and ERα-dependent gene expression (TFF1, PGR) were measured.
• Coactivator (SRC1) recruitment and binding energy calculations were performed.

Main Results:

• Mimosine demonstrated significant cellular viability and proliferation, comparable to 17β-estradiol.
• Mimosine increased ERα-SRC1 coactivator activity and induced expression of ERα-dependent genes TFF1 and PGR.
• Molecular modeling showed strong binding affinity of mimosine to the ERα ligand-binding domain.

Conclusions:

• Mimosine exhibits estrogenic activity, interacting with ERα.
• The findings suggest mimosine as a potential candidate for developing novel therapies for postmenopausal symptoms.
• Further research is warranted to explore mimosine's therapeutic applications and safety profile.